Torrington Public Schools named one of Best Communities for Music Education for 14th straight year

The Torrington High School Symphonic Band performs at the Warner Theatre in Torrington, directed by Wayne Splettstoeszer, as part of the Tri-Town Band Concert.
Laurie Gaboardi - The Register Citizen.

Torrington >> Torrington Public Schools were selected as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) in America for 2014” by the NAMM Foundation for its commitment to music education, marking the 14th consecutive year that the district has received the designation.

Torrington is the only school district from Litchfield County, and only one of two school districts nationwide, to have received the designation so many times since 2000.

To receive the honor, the district must rank in the 80th percentile or better on the survey each district is required to fill out for the award. The 24-page survey looks at things like the number of students participating in music classes, length of time spent on music per week, the number of programs offered for music education, the extent of community partnerships, technology access, and funding.

Wayne Splettstoeszer, director of instrumental music and music technology, said that the survey looks at all aspects of the K-12 music program, including whether the curriculum is lined up with the national standards for music education and whether there are musical opportunities in the community.

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Splettstoeszer said that music instruction includes performing in ensembles - band, chorus, orchestra and general music classes in all grade levels.

“This award is earned because the Torrington Public Schools have music teachers who engage students in the learning process, provide exceptional instruction, demonstrate a commitment to the arts, and understand the significant role that music plays in educating the whole child,” said Superintendent Cheryl Kloczko.

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation looks at musical opportunities in the community, of which Torrington has several - the Warner Theatre, Studio 59, Nancy Marine Studio Theater.

As Torrington finalizes its 2014-15 budgets, the announcement of this year’s BCME designation shed light on the music education and brought attention to its role in students’ development.

Marking its 15th year, BCME recognized school districts that have demonstrated committed efforts to music education as part of the schools’ core curriculum. The BCME plays an important role of the NAMM Foundation’s effort, a press release said, to make music education part of the core curriculum ensuring the benefits of music making are available to every child.

The award announcement comes outs every year at budget time, consistently drawing attention to the importance of maintaining music education in the school system. Last year, at this time the school budget was calling for the elimination of the instrumental music and strings program district wide. This year the 2014-2015 budget doesn’t call for any changes to the music program in the district, although a zero percent increase is on the table again.

The Tri-Town Band Festival was hosted at the Warner Theatre Tuesday and featured the Torrington High School band, as well as groups from Northwestern Regional High School and Canton, which also received the Best Communities designation this year.

The district’s young musicians will next perform on April 8 during a district-wide chorus concert in the Torrington High School gym.

Aside from Torrington and Canton, 10 other Connecticut school districts received the best communities designation.

Jenny Golfin can be reached at 860-489-3121, ext. 357.

About the Author

Jenny Golfin formerly worked breaking news reporter for the Register Citizen and covered non-profit agencies in Litchfield County. Reach the author at jgolfin@registercitizen.com
or follow Jenny on Twitter: @Jennygrc.